Ready to take your healthcare career to the next level? The CCS certification is a stepping stone to success in the healthcare industry. By demonstrating your expertise and commitment to this critical field, you can advance your career, increase your earning potential, and make a positive impact on the healthcare industry. But before you commit, let’s discuss the cost associated with the CCS certification.
What Is CCS Certification?
The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is a professional certification awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This credential validates an individual’s expertise in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and the application of correct coding rules and guidelines.
CCS-certified professionals are skilled in coding medical records using various coding systems, such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. They play a crucial role in healthcare organizations by ensuring accurate coding, which impacts reimbursement and data quality.
Exam Overview
CCS Certification Exam Details | |||||
Aspects | Details | ||||
Exam Type | Computer Based | ||||
(Consists of Two Sections) | |||||
Exam Format | Multiple-Choice Section | ||||
Medical Scenario Section | |||||
inpatient | outpatient | emergency department | |||
(Contains multiple choice and multiple response items.) | |||||
No. Of Questions | 107 Questions | ||||
97 scored items and 10 pretest items | |||||
Exam Duration | 4 hours | ||||
Passing Score | 300 | ||||
Major Exam Domains
Exam Domains for CCS Certification | |||
Coding Knowledge and Skills | 39-41% | Coding Documentation | 18-22% |
Provider Queries | 9-11% | ||
Regulatory Compliance | 18-22% | Information Technologies | 9-11% |
Medical Scenarios | |||
Inpatient | 33.3% | ||
Outpatient | 33.3% | Emergency Department | 33.3% |
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Eligibility Requirements
If you are thinking of availing of this certification, it is recommended for an individual to;Â Â
- Complete courses in all the following topics: anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Hold the CCA credential plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Hold a coding credential from another certifying organization plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Hold a CCS-P, RHIT, or RHIA credential
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Cost Associated with CCS Certification
CCS Exam Cost
The CCS Certification cost varies on an individual being the member of AHIMA membership.
Non-member price | $399 |
Member price | $299 |
AHIMA Membership
The AHIMA offers its candidates with membership plan which is categorized into 3 variations that are being discussed below.
Membership Categories for CCS Certification by AHIMA | ||
Professional​ | Professional Premier​ | Student |
Costs | ||
$149 every year | $209 every year | $49 every year |
No. of CEU’s Annually | ||
5 Complimentary CEUs | 3 additional CEUs 5+3=8 (8 total) | _ |
Other Aspects | ||
|
| _ |
Recertification | ||
Reduced recertification fee (for a single credential) and a total number of 10 free AHIMA CEUs (a $450 value) directly supporting their credential maintenance. | Free recertification fees (for multiple credentials) and a total number of 16 free AHIMA CEUs (a $810 value) directly supporting their credential maintenance. | _ |
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Official Resources for Training of CCS Certification
AHIMA offers their candidates a flexible online course that helps in preparation for a CCS certification costing $434.
Mandatory Code Books
The candidates who are going to attempt the certification exam will be required to prepare via code book and it will be mandatory for them to bring their specific code books with them in the exam. However, if the candidates do not have the correct code book they will not be allowed to sit in the exam and will damage their cost fee. However, the AHIMA Members will get 20% off code books from AHIMA.
CCS Certification Cost Cost range of Code Books
Some of the required books that are being published by AHIMA or other publishers are discussed below.
Required Book | Publisher | Title (2024 version) | Price Range |
ICD-10-CM codebook | AHIMA | ICD-10-CM Code Book, 2024 (softbound) | $107-$179 |
ICD-10-CM Code Book, 2024 (spiral) | $74-$128 | ||
AMA | ICD-10-CM 2024: The Complete Official Codebook (spiral) | $88-$106 | |
ICD-10-PCS codebook | AHIMA | ICD-10-PCS Code Book, 2024 (softbound) | $109-$191 |
ICD-10-PCS Code Book Professional Edition, 2024 (spiral) | $94-$191 | ||
AMA | ICD-10-PCS 2024: The Complete Official Code Book(softbound) | $88-$118 | |
CPT code book | AMA | CPT 2024 Professional Edition (spiral) | $80-$191 |
Why Choose CCS Certification?
i) Career Advancement
A CCS certification can significantly boost your career prospects in the healthcare industry. It demonstrates your knowledge and skills, making you a valuable asset to healthcare organizations.
ii) Increased Earning Potential
The CCS-certified professionals often command higher salaries and have better job security compared to those without the certification. According to AHIMA’s survey report, the CCS credential holders report earning $15,000-$25,000 more than those with COC, CCA, or CPC certification.
Generally, however, the average salary of a certified CCS professional is $197,300 per year and typically ranges from $45,500 to $400,000 with $95 per hour in September 2024.Â
To give you a better idea, here are the estimated salary packages that you can potentially land with the diverse range of job roles you can pursue with the CCS certification:
Job Roles | Salary Range |
Medical Coder | $26k - $82k |
Coding Manager | $68k - $116k |
Health Information Management (HIM) Director | $48k - $115k |
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | $35k - $80k |
Health Information Management (HIM) Manager | $48k - $97k |
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iii) Industry Recognition
A CCS certification is widely recognized and respected by employers, peers, and regulatory bodies. CCS-certified professionals can connect with a community of like-minded individuals, providing valuable networking and learning opportunities.
iv) Enhanced Patient Care
Accurate medical records facilitate better communication between healthcare providers and improve patient care. The CCS Certified professionals play the main role in making sure that hospitals receive the appropriate payback for the services they provide.
v) Enhanced Job Performance
The CCS credential equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to perform your coding and billing duties accurately and efficiently. You’ll be able to code medical records accurately and efficiently, reducing errors and improving revenue cycle management.
CCS Certified Professional Pass Rate over the Years
Certification | Year | First Time Testers | Passing Ratio of First-Time Testers |
CCS | 2021 | 2.250 | 42% |
2022 | 2,670 | 55% | |
2023 | 3,287 | 64% |
These results are US-based only.
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Conclusion
The CCS certification is a valuable asset for healthcare professionals working in coding and billing. By demonstrating your expertise and commitment to this critical field, you can advance your career, increase your earning potential, and make a positive impact on the healthcare industry.
While the cost of CCS certification may seem like a significant investment, it can be a worthwhile one. The benefits, such as increased earning potential and career advancement, often outweigh the initial expense. By becoming a CCS, you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge that can help you succeed in the healthcare industry.
FAQ's
Which certification offers higher earning potential, CPC or CCS?
CCS certification often provides higher earning potential due to its specialization in inpatient coding. CPC-certified professionals typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, whereas CCS-certified coders can command salaries ranging from $45,000 to $65,000.
Which certification is best for medical billing and coding?
CPC certification is the most popular credential in the medical billing and coding field, but several other options may suit you, depending on your career stage and goals.
What does AHIMA CCS stand for?
The AHIMA CCS stands for Certified Coding Specialist. Coding specialists are skilled in classifying medical data from patient records, often in a hospital setting but also a variety of other healthcare settings.
What is the AHIMA code of ethics?
The AHIMA Code of Ethics reflects the commitment of all to uphold the profession’s values and to act ethically.
From where can you purchase exam dumps for CCS certification?
Edurely sells authentic dumps at lower rates competitively to other websites and contains exam dumps for almost every certification out there.
